Historic Savannah, the oldest city in Georgia, is renowned for its architecture and stately mansions, but that doesn’t mean you need to be a millionaire to visit. In fact, there are a multitude of affordable hotels in Savannah, some of which are in distinguished buildings in the city’s famed Historic District. As the heart of this magnificent city and the largest National Historic Landmark District in the United States, it not only consists of stunning hotels but cobblestone streets, manicured gardens, and shady parks replete with Spanish moss. The district is also teeming with gourmet restaurants, museums, monuments, and more than 20 city squares.
Must-see Savannah Sites
Some of Savannah’s must-see sites include River Street, a tourist Mecca and the most happening place in the city. Its cobblestone street fronts some of Savannah’s most illustrious buildings occupied by shops, bars, and an eclectic collection of eateries. Enchanting 30-acre Forsyth Park is the hub of social interaction. The park’s most revered feature is its opulent 1858 fountain. Beautifully preserved Old Fort Jackson, a National Historic Landmark along the Savannah River, is the state’s oldest standing brick fortification. Ghost hunters will not want to miss quintessentially Southern Gothic Bonaventure Cemetery, which is not only an immortalized cemetery but also a sculptural garden.
Historic District Hotels
The Courtyard by Marriott Savannah Downtown in the heart of the Historic District epitomizes elegant Southern charm and offers suites with commanding views of the area. The hotel is in close proximity to fabled River Street, the Savannah History Museum, Fort Jackson, the Lucas Theatre, and hauntingly beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery. The Comfort Suites Historic District is only two blocks from River Street. The all-suites hotel is close to Forsyth Park, Franklin Square, and the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center. It also offers its guests free shuttle service.
Less Expensive and Centrally Located
Some of the more standard, but no less alluring, and less expensive Historic District hotels include the Quality Inn Heart of Savannah. The Quality Inn is a pet-friendly establishment close to Forsyth Park, just one block from the Savannah Civic Center, less than a block from City Market, and River Street adjacent. The recently opened Holiday Inn Express Historic District, located on tree-lined Bay Street, is surrounded by a plethora of boutiques and restaurants. The contemporary Southern-style hotel has a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Historic District and is close to the Lucas Theatre for the Arts.
The Hostess City of the South
Finding discounted hotels in Savannah, Ga., including the aforementioned, is easy with Hipmunk, which Forbes calls “the world’s best travel site.” Hipmunk allows you to customize hotel search options based on neighborhoods, and results are presented on local maps. Hipmunk can also filter your results based on your interests.
Although most picturesque in the spring when the azaleas are in full bloom creating an eruption of color throughout the city, pedestrian-friendly Savannah is a year-round destination that more than lives up to its ” The Hostess City of the South” sobriquet. Please share this post with others who want to travel! Also, send any additional tips in the comments below.
Dale Myers is a world traveler and Hipmunk travel writer from Ventura, CA. In his free time, he surfs while planning his next adventure.
